Lactic Acid Bacteria with Probiotic Potential Regulating Macrophages: Mechanisms, Regulatory Features, and Clinical...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• The intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health.
• Probiotic supplementation, particularly with lactic acid bacteria (LAB), is recognized for promoting microbial balance.
• LAB possess immunomodulatory properties, with significant effects on myeloid cells like macrophages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the diverse impacts of LAB on macrophage functions.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of LAB in macrophage-associated diseases.
• To discuss future directions for LAB application in health and disease management.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review.
• Analysis of LAB effects on macrophage quantity, polarization, autophagy, apoptosis, and metabolism.
• Examination of LAB's role in trained immunity and systemic effects via the gut-X axis.

Main Results:

• LAB exert substantial regulatory effects on macrophages, influencing their quantity, polarization, autophagy, apoptosis, and metabolism.
• LAB-mediated macrophage regulation is strain-specific, dose-dependent, and influenced by administration routes.
• LAB demonstrate therapeutic potential for macrophage-associated conditions like obesity and impaired wound healing.

Conclusions:

• LAB significantly modulate macrophage functions, contributing to immune homeostasis and disease control.
• Future research should focus on strain screening, combined applications, and understanding transgenerational effects for enhanced therapeutic use.
• LAB hold promise for integration into antibiotic therapy and broader applications in human and animal health.